Catholic bishops warn against Félix Tshisekedi’s third term bid in DRC
The Episcopal Conference of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (CENCO) has issued a stern warning against any political maneuver that could pave the way for President Félix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.
Goma, June 23, 2026 — During an extraordinary plenary assembly held from June 18 to 20, the Catholic bishops of the DRC reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the 2006 Constitution, particularly its provisions on presidential term limits. They cautioned that any attempt to alter these constitutional clauses could destabilize the country’s institutional framework.
In a statement delivered by CENCO’s Secretary-General, Donatien Nshole, the bishops emphasized that the DRC’s political stability hinges on strict adherence to constitutional order and the promises made to the nation. They urged the President to “honor the oath taken before God and the Congolese people” during his inauguration.
The bishops warned that tampering with constitutional provisions would betray the republican pact forged through decades of political turbulence. Their statement comes amid renewed political debates following Parliament’s recent adoption of a law regulating referendum processes. The Church leaders argue that this legislation could enable a popular consultation to challenge key constitutional safeguards, including presidential term limits.
CENCO’s stance is further reinforced by growing signals from political circles, with some voices openly endorsing the idea of a new governance cycle for the incumbent leader. Meanwhile, the presidential majority has dismissed these interpretations, asserting that the referendum law aims solely to institutionalize democratic participation and empower citizens to decide on national priorities.
The debate intensified after President Tshisekedi’s remarks in May, where he neither confirmed nor denied ambitions for a third term but stated his readiness to comply with the will of the people. His comments sparked immediate speculation about his political intentions ahead of the 2028 elections.
In response, CENCO has called on the Congolese population to remain vigilant and resist, through peaceful and lawful means, any attempts to amend the Constitution’s term-limit provisions, which it considers non-negotiable.
The DRC’s Constitution restricts presidential mandates to two consecutive five-year terms. Félix Tshisekedi, in office since 2019, is currently serving his second term. The next presidential election is slated for December 2028, unless institutional adjustments or unforeseen circumstances alter the electoral calendar.
This intervention underscores the Catholic Church’s influential role in shaping political discourse in the DRC, as the question of a potential third term for President Tshisekedi emerges as a defining issue in the country’s political landscape.
